Ride Bikes. Not Elephants: A Virtual Fitness Challenge to Remember

In 2019, World Animal Protection commenced a global initiative called Ride Bikes. Not Elephants to raise awareness of elephant cruelty within the tourism and entertainment industries. From community bike rides in India to the US and public mobilization in China and throughout Europe, World Animal Protection colleagues and supporters around the world gathered to celebrate World Elephant Day and highlight elephant protection. 

Fast forward to August 2020, we wanted to continue the new tradition of featuring one of our favorite animals to protect, however, amidst the pandemic, we had to think of innovative ways to engage supporters virtually. Instead of an offline bike ride event, we began vetting fitness apps that work with nonprofits to raise awareness and funding for their missions. Luckily, we were able to collaborate with Kilter Rewards, an app that motivates individuals to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle while helping community causes. 

Soon after launching this initiative, we saw immense positive feedback from our supporters, donors, and companies who wanted to sponsor the event. Corporate Partners White Rhino Bags, Jeulia, Earth Caps and Kimera Koffee all pitched in to donate in-kind products as rewards for top fitness leaders while new partner Urbn Bike gifted a Retro Vintage Fixed Gear Bike as a grand prize for our top fundraiser participant. 

Throughout our 50-day event, we were able to recruit over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds and fitness levels, all of whom kept active to support elephants in need. Head of Marketing at Kilter, Julian Lavelle, shared his motivation for joining our event:

“As a long-time vegetarian, both for my love of animals and the environment, I was so thrilled to support World Animal Protection in this virtual fitness challenge. Competing in this event allowed me to feel connected to the greater animal-lover community during what would've otherwise been an isolating year considering the ongoing pandemic.” 

We are so proud of the event success, especially during these tumultuous times, and that our efforts were able to give participants something to look forward to. Top fundraiser and fitness leader, Shreeja Rucker, shared her experience and motivation to keep active: 

“I participated in this challenge to raise awareness around the cruelty towards all animals, especially, elephants and in the memory of my mom. I also wanted to encourage my 8-year-old daughter, Alisha Rucker, who wanted to help protect ALL animals from getting hurt by going on walks with me. I kept going because I felt that I was taking action to help end animal cruelty by physically doing something. I loved going on walks with my daughter showing her she can help too. I have learned so much about animal cruelty and how to be an elephant friendly tourist. This has been truly a unique experience.” 

Big thank you to all that participated, and we look forward to hosting more events like this in the future! Learn more about the event here. 

I participated in this challenge to raise awareness around the cruelty towards all animals, especially, elephants and in the memory of my mom. I also wanted to encourage my 8-year-old daughter, Alisha Rucker, who wanted to help protect ALL animals from getting hurt by going on walks with me. I kept going because I felt that I was taking action to help end animal cruelty by physically doing something.